how long a walk to.........
Jun 9th, 2004, 07:32 PM
#2
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The Lower Falls are 0.7 miles (1.1 kilomtres) from the Johnston Canyon parking lot. The path is uneven, but does not involve serious uphill walking. There are handrails alongside parts of the path that are adjacent to steep drops, etc.
I honestly can't remember how long it takes. The last time we went into Johnston Canyon was one May, and there was still quite a bit of ice on the path, so we had to take extra care, which took extra time.
I would guess in June, when the path would be clear of ice, an hour would be enough time to get to the Lower Falls and back again.
The walk to the Upper Falls is more rugged. It's an additional mile (1.6 km) from the Lower Falls to the Upper Falls, but the Upper Falls are prettier than the Lower Falls, if you feel like going the extra distance.
Lake Agnes Teahouse is 2.1 miles (3.4 km) from Chateau Lake Louise, but it's a steep walk. One gains 1,270 feet (387 metres) in elevation! People report great variations in the length of time it takes them to do it. Depending on the person, it can take anywhere from 1 hour to 2 hours to do the walk in one direction. You'll see many people sitting and resting along the way, and perhaps you'll do that at intervals too.
For someone who doesn't feel like taking on the Lake Agnes Teahouse walk, a less spectacular but still rather pleasing view of Lake Louise is available from Fairview Lookout. The distance from the outlet of Lake Louise (near the boathouse from which canoes are rented) is 0.6 miles (1 kilometre), and the gain in elevation is 328 feet (100 metres). To get to Fairview Lookout, start out on the Saddleback Trail, and then take the turn off to Fairview Lookout 330 yards into that walk. (All of this is well sign posted.)
I honestly can't remember how long it takes. The last time we went into Johnston Canyon was one May, and there was still quite a bit of ice on the path, so we had to take extra care, which took extra time.
I would guess in June, when the path would be clear of ice, an hour would be enough time to get to the Lower Falls and back again.
The walk to the Upper Falls is more rugged. It's an additional mile (1.6 km) from the Lower Falls to the Upper Falls, but the Upper Falls are prettier than the Lower Falls, if you feel like going the extra distance.
Lake Agnes Teahouse is 2.1 miles (3.4 km) from Chateau Lake Louise, but it's a steep walk. One gains 1,270 feet (387 metres) in elevation! People report great variations in the length of time it takes them to do it. Depending on the person, it can take anywhere from 1 hour to 2 hours to do the walk in one direction. You'll see many people sitting and resting along the way, and perhaps you'll do that at intervals too.
For someone who doesn't feel like taking on the Lake Agnes Teahouse walk, a less spectacular but still rather pleasing view of Lake Louise is available from Fairview Lookout. The distance from the outlet of Lake Louise (near the boathouse from which canoes are rented) is 0.6 miles (1 kilometre), and the gain in elevation is 328 feet (100 metres). To get to Fairview Lookout, start out on the Saddleback Trail, and then take the turn off to Fairview Lookout 330 yards into that walk. (All of this is well sign posted.)
Jun 9th, 2004, 08:45 PM
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There is a second tea house on the Plain of Six Glaciers trail that also originates at Chateau Lake Louise. The trail follows along the north shore of the lake and then parallels the lateral moraines until it reaches an end at the glacier and the cliffs of Mount Victoria.
That walks gains less altitude, but is a little longer. The tea house is 5.5K from the chateau, according to Patton and Robinson. The altitude gain is about 1,000 feet.
The views of the glacial features like the Mitre and Abbot Pass are great.
If the day is warm, you can spot ice cascades falling off the face of the cliffs. Usually, you will hear a loud crack, but the show is over by the time the sound reaches you unless you are fairly close to the mountain.
The noise is caused by ice breaking under the weight of meltwater.
Depending on when you try to do Johnston canyon, you may find the parking lot totally full. Last year, there were people circling the lot waiting for someone to leave. I went and took the walk to Stanley Glacier in Kootenay Park. Not as crowded and a nice walk.
If you want a less popular, but a highly scenic trail. Do the Iceline in Yoho. The views of Takkakaw Falls are great.
That walks gains less altitude, but is a little longer. The tea house is 5.5K from the chateau, according to Patton and Robinson. The altitude gain is about 1,000 feet.
The views of the glacial features like the Mitre and Abbot Pass are great.
If the day is warm, you can spot ice cascades falling off the face of the cliffs. Usually, you will hear a loud crack, but the show is over by the time the sound reaches you unless you are fairly close to the mountain.
The noise is caused by ice breaking under the weight of meltwater.
Depending on when you try to do Johnston canyon, you may find the parking lot totally full. Last year, there were people circling the lot waiting for someone to leave. I went and took the walk to Stanley Glacier in Kootenay Park. Not as crowded and a nice walk.
If you want a less popular, but a highly scenic trail. Do the Iceline in Yoho. The views of Takkakaw Falls are great.
Jun 10th, 2004, 06:54 AM
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I have no idea how much hiking you want to do, but there is a loop at Lake Louise that does both the Lake Agnes Tea House as well as the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House...and between those is the Big Beehive which has amazing views! We did it with our kids and really enjoyed it.
